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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10841 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 12, 2024

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Apr 12, 2024Hindi
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I am 67 years old i have invested sbi small cap 1000,sbi magnum mid cap 5000, sbi foccused equity 1000, sbi multi cap 1000, sbi nifty index 1000, sbi balence advantage lumpsump 15 lakh.

Ans: Your investment portfolio seems to have a mix of equity and balanced funds, indicating a moderate to aggressive risk profile. SBI Small Cap, Magnum Mid Cap, Focused Equity, and Multi Cap funds provide exposure to different segments of the equity market, potentially offering growth opportunities but also subject to market volatility. SBI Nifty Index provides exposure to the broader market while the SBI Balanced Advantage Fund may offer a balanced approach with dynamic asset allocation. Considering your age, it's advisable to ensure your portfolio aligns with your risk tolerance and financial goals, and periodically review to rebalance if necessary.
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10841 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 11, 2024

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Am 35 yr old, investing maxlife insurance Savings plan - 3k, UTI flexi cap fund - 2k, SBI contra- 0.5k & nippan small cap- 0.5k since from year. Pls suggest any changes required or else can I continue
Ans: At 35 years old, it's commendable that you're actively investing in various financial instruments to secure your financial future. Let's review your current investment portfolio and assess if any changes are needed.

Maxlife Insurance Savings Plan:
Insurance savings plans typically offer a combination of insurance coverage and investment opportunities. While they provide life cover, they may not always offer optimal returns compared to pure investment options. It's essential to review the returns, charges, and benefits of your insurance plan regularly to ensure it aligns with your financial goals.

Insurance-cum-investment schemes (ULIPs, endowment plans) offer a one-stop solution for insurance and investment needs. However, they might not be the best choice for pure investment due to:

Lower Potential Returns: Guaranteed returns are usually lower than what MFs can offer through market exposure.
Higher Costs: Multiple fees in insurance plans (allocation charges, admin fees) can reduce returns compared to the expense ratio of MFs.
Limited Flexibility: Lock-in periods restrict access to your money, whereas MFs provide more flexibility.
MFs, on the other hand, focus solely on investment and offer:

Potentially Higher Returns: Investments in stocks and bonds can lead to higher growth compared to guaranteed returns.
Lower Costs: Expense ratios in MFs are generally lower than the multiple fees in insurance plans.
Greater Control: You have a wider range of investment options and control over asset allocation to suit your risk appetite.
Consider your goals!

Need life insurance? Term Insurance plans might be suitable.
Focus on growing wealth? MFs might be a better option due to their flexibility and return potential.

UTI Flexi Cap Fund:
Flexi cap funds invest across large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap stocks, providing flexibility to capitalize on opportunities across market segments. As a diversified equity fund, it offers growth potential while spreading risk. Review the fund's performance, expense ratio, and portfolio composition periodically to ensure it remains suitable for your investment objectives.

SBI Contra Fund and Nippon Small Cap Fund:
SBI Contra Fund follows a contrarian investment approach, focusing on undervalued stocks with the potential for long-term growth. Nippon Small Cap Fund invests primarily in small-cap companies with high growth potential. Both funds carry higher risk due to their investment in mid and small-cap stocks. Review their performance, risk profile, and consistency to ensure they align with your risk tolerance and investment horizon.

Overall, your investment portfolio appears to be diversified across insurance, large-cap, flexi-cap, and small-cap funds. However, it's essential to periodically review your portfolio's performance, risk exposure, and alignment with your financial goals. Consider the following suggestions:

Regularly monitor the performance of each investment and compare it against relevant benchmarks.
Assess your risk tolerance and ensure that your portfolio allocation aligns with your risk appetite.
Review the expense ratios and charges associated with each investment to optimize your returns.

Consider rebalancing your portfolio periodically to maintain diversification and align with changing market conditions.

Consult with a Certified Financial Planner to receive personalized advice tailored to your financial situation and goals.

In conclusion, while your current investment portfolio appears diversified, it's essential to review and adjust it periodically to ensure it remains aligned with your financial objectives. Continuously educate yourself about investment options and seek professional guidance when needed to make informed decisions.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10841 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 17, 2024

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I am 35 years old I have invested lumpsum amount of 1 lac in quant small cap mf and 1 lac in aditiya birla psu and 1 lac in quant multi asset fund
Ans: You have invested Rs 1 lakh each in:

Quant Small Cap Mutual Fund
Aditya Birla PSU Mutual Fund
Quant Multi Asset Fund
Let’s evaluate your current portfolio and provide suggestions for future investments.

Portfolio Evaluation
Quant Small Cap Mutual Fund
Growth Potential: High growth potential due to investment in small companies.
Risk: High risk due to volatility in small cap stocks.
Recommendation: Suitable for long-term goals if you can tolerate high risk.
Aditya Birla PSU Mutual Fund
Stability: Invests in Public Sector Undertakings, providing stability.
Returns: Moderate returns due to limited growth in PSU stocks.
Recommendation: Good for stability and steady income.
Quant Multi Asset Fund
Diversification: Invests in a mix of asset classes (equity, debt, gold).
Risk: Lower risk due to diversification.
Returns: Balanced returns with moderate risk.
Recommendation: Suitable for reducing overall portfolio risk.
Future Investment Strategy
Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)
Regular Investment: Start a SIP in equity mutual funds for disciplined investing.
Growth Potential: Equity funds can provide higher returns over the long term.
Types of Equity Mutual Funds
Large Cap Funds
Stability: Invest in large, well-established companies.
Risk: Lower risk compared to small and mid cap funds.
Returns: Steady returns with moderate growth.
Mid Cap Funds
Growth Potential: Invest in medium-sized companies with higher growth potential.
Risk: Moderate risk with higher returns compared to large cap funds.
Flexi Cap Funds
Flexibility: Invest across large, mid, and small cap companies.
Diversification: Offers diversification and balanced risk.
Disadvantages of Direct Funds
Lack of Expertise
Management: Direct funds require active monitoring and management.
Guidance: A Certified Financial Planner provides professional advice and management.
Complexity
Knowledge: Managing direct funds requires extensive knowledge and research.
Convenience: Regular funds through a CFP simplify the investment process.
Tax Efficiency
Long-Term Capital Gains Tax
Equity Funds: Taxed at 10% on gains above Rs 1 lakh after one year.
Planning: Plan your investments to optimize tax efficiency.
Diversification and Risk Management
Balanced Portfolio
Diversification: Spread investments across different asset classes.
Risk Management: Reduces overall portfolio risk and enhances stability.
Emergency Fund
Liquidity: Maintain an emergency fund for unexpected expenses.
Security: Provides financial security and peace of mind.
Regular Review and Adjustment
Monitoring: Review your investment portfolio regularly.
Adjustment: Make necessary adjustments based on performance and market conditions.
Final Insights
Your current investments are well-diversified across different asset classes and sectors. To enhance your portfolio, consider starting a SIP in equity mutual funds, focusing on large, mid, and flexi cap funds for balanced growth and risk. Regularly review and adjust your portfolio with the help of a Certified Financial Planner to achieve your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10841 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 30, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 18, 2024Hindi
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I'm 29 investing 10k in hdfc midcap, 5k in mirae asset large and midcap, 5k in sbi contra fund,2k in icici prudential small cap,2 k in icici prudential retirement fund,2k in aditya birla euity fund,5k in sbi magnum midcap
Ans: You are already investing Rs. 31,000 monthly in various mutual funds. Your portfolio includes mid-cap, large-cap, small-cap, contra, and retirement funds. This diversified approach is commendable.

Current Allocation
Rs. 10,000 in HDFC Midcap
Rs. 5,000 in Mirae Asset Large and Midcap
Rs. 5,000 in SBI Contra Fund
Rs. 2,000 in ICICI Prudential Small Cap
Rs. 2,000 in ICICI Prudential Retirement Fund
Rs. 2,000 in Aditya Birla Equity Fund
Rs. 5,000 in SBI Magnum Midcap
Portfolio Assessment
Diversification
Your portfolio is well-diversified across various fund categories. This reduces risk and captures growth across sectors.

Midcap Focus
You have a significant investment in mid-cap funds. Mid-cap funds offer high growth potential but can be volatile. Ensure you are comfortable with this risk level.

Small Cap and Contra Funds
Small-cap and contra funds add diversity. They can provide high returns, but with increased risk. Monitor these funds closely.

Retirement Fund
Investing in a retirement fund is wise. It ensures long-term wealth creation for your future.

Insight on Direct Funds
Disadvantages of Direct Funds
Direct funds may seem cost-effective due to lower expense ratios. However, they lack professional guidance. Certified Financial Planners (CFPs) provide valuable insights, helping you make informed decisions. Regular funds with CFP advice can optimize your investment strategy.

Benefits of Regular Funds
Professional advice ensures better fund selection.
CFPs monitor and rebalance your portfolio.
They offer personalized financial planning.
Regular funds provide peace of mind and expert management.
Suggestions for Improvement
Review Midcap Exposure
Consider balancing your portfolio by reducing mid-cap exposure. Diversify into large-cap and multi-cap funds for stability.

Increase SIP in Large-Cap Funds
Large-cap funds offer stability and steady returns. Increasing SIP in these funds can enhance your portfolio's resilience.

Monitor and Rebalance
Regularly monitor and rebalance your portfolio. This ensures alignment with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds outperform index funds. Fund managers actively select stocks, aiming for higher returns. These funds can adapt to market changes, offering better performance.

Disadvantages of Index Funds
Index funds replicate market indices, offering average returns.
They lack flexibility in changing market conditions.
Actively managed funds provide opportunities for higher gains.
Additional Recommendations
Emergency Fund
Ensure you have an adequate emergency fund. It should cover 6-12 months of expenses. This provides financial security during unforeseen events.

Health and Term Insurance
Review your health and term insurance coverage. Adequate insurance protects your family and ensures peace of mind.

Long-Term Goals
Align your investments with long-term goals. Define specific financial targets and create a roadmap to achieve them.

Final Insights
Your current investment strategy is commendable. It reflects a balanced and diversified approach. Regular monitoring and rebalancing are key to maintaining a healthy portfolio. Consider seeking advice from a Certified Financial Planner to optimize your investments. This ensures you are on track to achieve your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Reetika

Reetika Sharma  |354 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner, MF and Insurance Expert - Answered on Nov 12, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 06, 2025Hindi
Money
I am 55 years old NRI. I looking forward my superannuation after 3 years at 58. Currently I have following investments (1) SIP MF Invested 1.4 cr, MV 2.01 cr. Montly SIP of 5.28 lakhs, can continue for 1 year more. MF Diversified into Small Cap 40%, Mid Cap 25% Large Cap 10%, Flexi Cap 15%. (2) FD for 1.0 cr @ 6.75% (3) Shares MV 40.0 lakh (4) CG Bond 19.0 lakh (5) 3 flats MV 2.25 Cr (6) Land MV 2.25 cr (7) 1 underconstruction flat Paid 50.0 laks, balance 1.5cr to be paid in next 2 years (8) 2 Sons education and marriage liability 2.5 cr in next 4 years. (9) Loan o/s of Rs 50.0 lakh (10) I am expecting monthly expenses of Rs 2.0 lakh per month. Pls advise suitability of my portfolio to generate montly income of Rs 2 lakh for next 30 years post retirement. If any additional investment or re-arrangement required, pls advise. My SIP are (a) Parag Parekh Flexi 50K (b) Aditya Birla Frontlline 23K (c) Mirae Large & Small 15K, (d) Nippon Growth 33K, (e) Nippon Large Cap 35K, (f) DSP small 12K, (g) Nippon Small Cap 27K, (h) Quant Small 49K, (i) Quant Active 25K, (j) Quant Flexi 25K, (k) HDFC Small 30K, (l) PGIM Midcap 51K, (m) Motilal Oswal Mid Cap 93K (n) Motilal Large & Midcap 29K and (o) Motilal Momentum 50 Index 31K.
Ans: Hi,

You are on the right path towards a steady and comfortable retirement post 3 years. Let us assess the entire financial one at a time.

1. FD - 1 crore. This entire amount can be treated as your emergency fund. Although use 50% of this fund to close your personal loan.
2. Direct equity - 40 lakhs. You can consider moving this entire allocation to mutual funds as direct equity investment is quite risky if you do not much about it.
3. CG Bonds - 19 lakhs - good debt investment option.
4. Life and health insurance - can increase the covers, specially now when you have time. Post retirment would be difficult for you.
5. 3 Flats worth 3 cr - with monthly rental income of 50k.
6. Plot worth 2.25 crores and Flat which will be fully paid before retirement from salary.
7. Physical Gold - good to carry.
8. Personal loan - 50 lakhs. Consider closing it using amount from your FD.
9. Current MF corpus - 2.08 crore with ongoing monthly SIP of 3.5 lakhs. It will become 4.25 crores at your age of 58 if you continue investing.

> Current ongoing SIPs have a lot of overlapping which should be avoided to get the best return on investments. This entire allocation needs a thoughtful and careful planning.
- For retirement, your current MF corpus and stocks would be sufficient to fund your retirement in addition to your rental income. You will also get your PF and gratuity while retiring. These will fund your retirement in initial 5 years.
- For later years, post the age of 63, start SWP from your MF portfolio wrt your expenses (inflation adjusted).
- Work with a professional to reallocate the funds in your current portfolio so as to fund your retirment wrt to retirment strategy.
- Refrain from buying any policy to lock-in your funds.
- A professional can design a bucket strategy for your mutual fund corpus. This way, you will get your monthly expenses and the rest portfolio keeps on growing. This fund will never end and you will leave a great fortune for your kids.

Hence do consult a professional Certified Financial Planner - a CFP who can guide you with exact funds to invest in keeping in mind your age, requirements, financial goals and risk profile. A CFP periodically reviews your portfolio and suggest any amendments to be made, if required.

Let me know if you need more help.

Best Regards,
Reetika Sharma, Certified Financial Planner
https://www.instagram.com/cfpreetika/

...Read more

Reetika

Reetika Sharma  |354 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner, MF and Insurance Expert - Answered on Nov 12, 2025

Money
Dear sir, Hope you are doing well. Sir I am central govt employee ,36 yrs of age working in Bengaluru . I have invested in lands in tier 2 cities 3 plots(in hubli) for which loan has been cleared. monthly sips of 12000 in MF for education of daughters which i am expecting to give me good compounding yield over period of 12 years from now. purchased stocks of 5 lakhs & kept it for long term. as of now i dont have any loans and my salary and expenses and savings are at par . I may relocate to hubli (my native also)as part of rotational transfer of my job. once i relocate i am planning to buy a house as i have left 23 years of govt service , Is it wise to go for home loan & emis for a period of 23 yeras or wait for some more time to shell off the existing plots . I have health and term cover . as part of job i may relocate again to bengaluru after 3 years again.& i wish to settle down in Hubli after my service. currently planning to rent a house in hubli which is near to kv school to avoid transportation hassles for daughters. 1.should i purchase a land which is near by kv or should i go for outskirts of the city ( i should consider travel distances for my daugters school &colleges)? currently one daughter is in 2nd standard other is in nursery. 2.any other investment would you suggest for good returns as i am expecting salary hike from 8 th pay commission.
Ans: Hi Ijaz,

If you relocate to Hubli, getting into another fresh loan for 23 years is not a wise decision. Instead wait for some years and shell off existing plots to buy a home later.
Also your overall savings seem less. you should consider increasing your investments in mutual funds instead of direct stocks to get benefit of compounding. Use the hike from upcoming pay commission completely into starting new aggressive SIPs for your future. This way, you can buy a home in Hubli faster than you may plan to and that too without any loan.

For SIPs, you should consult a professional Certified Financial Planner - a CFP who can guide you with exact funds to invest in keeping in mind your age, requirements, financial goals and risk profile. A CFP periodically reviews your portfolio and suggest any amendments to be made, if required.

Let me know if you need more help.

Best Regards,
Reetika Sharma, Certified Financial Planner
https://www.instagram.com/cfpreetika/

...Read more

Reetika

Reetika Sharma  |354 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner, MF and Insurance Expert - Answered on Nov 12, 2025

Money
Hi Sir, I am working in IT company and there is no job security I am 41 years old and my salary is 1.24 lakh monthly so I invest as much earliest to secure my future...plz suggest me Current investment PF 7 lakh. PPF 4.80 lakh (12500 Monthly investing) FD 4.5 lakh ( emergency fund) MF 8.50 Lakh HDFC Multicap fund 26k monthly SIP. HDFC Nifty 50 index fund 4k sip Jio BlackRock Flexi cap fund 18k sip just started. LIC and TATA AIA 8k monthly plan And Want to start 12k SIP in small & midcap fund. Target is 5 crore for retirement and want to achieve asap. Plz suggest if my allocations are correct and how I can achieve my goals as earliest
Ans: Hi Vijay,

You are right in saying that there is no job security. One needs to be prepared for times ahead.

- PF - continue this investment.
- PPF - not of use to you, hence contibute bare minimum of 500 only once a year to keep the account active. Instead redirect the 12.5k monhly to aggressive mutual funds tto build wealth.
- FD - for emergecny fund - good hold.
- LIC and Tata AIA - policies like these are of no use , usually give 4-5% return and lock your money. Try to surrender if not at loss and reinvest into balanced funds.
- MF - current SIP 48k with total corpus of 8.5 lakhs till now. The current funds are average and overlapping. Need reallocation. And want to take your monthly investment to 60k.

Consider investing in 4 funds - 1 largecap, 1 midcap, 1 smallcap and 1 flexicap - 15k each.

If you decide to stop PPF contribution and LIC tata policies - redirect those 20.5k per month to momentum funds.

Achieving it fast is very tough. Slowly and consistently - you can achieve this target of 5 crores in next 14 years with 10% annual stepup. And if you add additional 20.5k per month into contribution, this can be achieved in 12.5 years.

You can also a professional Certified Financial Planner - a CFP who can guide you with exact funds to invest in keeping in mind your age, requirements, financial goals and risk profile. A CFP periodically reviews your portfolio and suggest any amendments to be made, if required.

Let me know if you need more help.

Best Regards,
Reetika Sharma, Certified Financial Planner
https://www.instagram.com/cfpreetika/

...Read more

Ravi

Ravi Mittal  |674 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Nov 12, 2025

Relationship
Hello Sir, I'm really struggling with my family's behavior after my arranged marriage. They pushed me into it, and now they're constantly guilt-tripping me and badmouthing my wife and her family. It's getting really tough to handle, and I'm feeling overwhelmed. Can you please offer some advice on how to deal with this situation? I just want to be happy and have my family's support.
Ans: Dear Suraj,
I understand how difficult it must be when your family is giving you a hard time, especially when your wife is also suffering because of it. It is important to stand up for your partner if you think they are being unfair to her. It is important to set a boundary from the very beginning. Politely tell your family that while you love and respect them very much, you neither appreciate nor will tolerate this unfair treatment from them. Tell them that you expect their support, you expect them to love your wife as much as they love you, and most importantly, you never expected them to behave in this manner. Let them know how much their behavior has affected you. Sometimes people don’t understand that they are hurting someone with their words. And saying all these might create a little conflict, but it is important to stand up for what’s right, even if it is to family.

Other than that, communicate with your wife. Let her know that you are by her side and you realize that for no fault of her own she is suffering because of your family’s treatment and you are very sorry for that. Sometimes, even a few kind words from your partner can improve a situation.

Hope this helps.

...Read more

Reetika

Reetika Sharma  |354 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner, MF and Insurance Expert - Answered on Nov 12, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 12, 2025Hindi
Money
I am 55 years old and expecting a monthly expenses of INR 2.00 lacs post retirement at age 58 [i.e. after 3 years from now]. I have following investment as of now: [i] Monthly SIP of INR 3.5 lacs, expecting to continue till age 58. [ii] Present MF corpus stand at INR 2.08 crore [investment amt INR 1.34 crore [iii] FD for INR 1.00 crore @6.75% [iv] Equity Direct INR 45.0 lacs [v] CG Bonds INR 19 lacs, maturity 2029 [vi] Life Insurance INR 30.0 lacs, coverage till 65 years [v] Family floater Health Insurance INR 10.0 lacs - covering self & spouse [vi] One vacant plot - market value INR 2.25 crore [vii] 3 flats - market value INR 3.0 crore , all rented out generating rental of INR 6.0 lacs p.a. [viii] 1 under construction flat - Paid INR 50 lacs, remaining amt to be paid INR 1.5 crore - expected to be met by salary saving - no debt [ix] Gold - physical - INR 25.0 lacs [x] Liability towards 2 sons education - INR 1.5 crore spread over next 4 years and their marriages - INR 1.0 crore [xi] Personal Loan outstanding INR 50.0 lacs. Investment in MF is spread over small cap - 40%, mid-cap - 30%, large cap - 10%, Flexi Cap - 20%. Need your guidance towards (a) existing investment capability to generate a post-tax income of INR 2.0 lacs p.m. for next 30 years (b) if its not suitable, whats your advice to balance the existing investment or any additional investment required?
Ans: Hi,

You are on the right path towards a steady and comfortable retirement after 3 years. Let us assess the entire financial one at a time.

1. Current MF corpus - 2.08 crore with ongoing monthly SIP of 3.5 lakhs. It will become 4.25 crores at your age of 58 if you continue investing.
2. FD - 1 crore. This entire amount can be treated as your emergency fund. Although use 50% of this fund to close your personal loan.
3. Direct equity - 45 lakhs. You can consider moving this entire allocation to mutual funds as direct equity investment is quite risky if you do not much about it.
4. CG Bonds - good debt investment option.
5. Life and health insurance - can increase the covers, specially now when you have time. Post retirment would be difficult for you.
6. 3 Flats worth 3 cr - with monthly rental income of 50k.
7. Plot worth 2.25 crores and Flat which will be fully paid before retirement from salary.
8. Physical Gold - good to carry.
9. Personal loan - 50 lakhs. Consider closing it using amount from your FD.

Goals:
1. Sons education - 1.5 crores
2. Sons marriage - 1 crore
3. Post-Retirement income - 2 lakhs monthly

- For education and marriage goal, you can consider tossing your plot valued at 2.25 crores and invest the amount in balanced funds. These will be more than enough for both goals for your 2 sons.
- Retirement - The MF corpus and stocks would be sufficient to fund your retirement in addition to your rental income. You will also get your PF and gratuity while retiring. These will fund your retirement in initial 5 years.
- For later years, post the age of 63, start SWP from your MF portfolio wrt your expenses (inflation adjusted).
- Work with a professional to reallocate the funds in your current portfolio so as to fund your retirment wrt to retirment strategy.
- Refrain from buying any policy to lock-in your funds.
- A professional can design a bucket strategy for your mutual fund corpus. This way, you will get your monthly expenses and the rest portfolio keeps on growing. This fund will never end and you will leave a great fortune for your kids.

Hence do consult a professional Certified Financial Planner - a CFP who can guide you with exact funds to invest in keeping in mind your age, requirements, financial goals and risk profile. A CFP periodically reviews your portfolio and suggest any amendments to be made, if required.

Let me know if you need more help.

Best Regards,
Reetika Sharma, Certified Financial Planner
https://www.instagram.com/cfpreetika/

...Read more

Reetika

Reetika Sharma  |354 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner, MF and Insurance Expert - Answered on Nov 12, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 06, 2025Hindi
Money
Respected Experts, My monthly mutual fund investments at the moment is Rs. 40000 (total SIP gradually increased over past years) which I have been doing for the last 7 and half years. I am 42 yr old. My total portfolio value till now is around Rs. 42,50,000. I want to create a corpus of around 2.5 Crore in the next 10 years. 1. HDFC Children's Gift Fund - (Lock-in) - Regular Plan - Rs. 10000. 2. ICICI Prudential Midcap Fund - Direct Growth - Rs. 5000 3. ICICI Prudential Multicap Fund - Growth - Rs. 2000 4. Axis Large Cap Fund - Regular Growth - Rs. 4500 5. Axis Focussed 25 Fund - Regular Growth - Rs. 2000 6. SBI Focussed Equity Fund - Regular Growth - Rs. 4500 7. Invesco India Small Cap Fund - Regular Growth - Rs. 5000 8. Edelweiss Multi Cap Fund - Regular Growth - Rs. 7000 I want to increase the SIP of around Rs. 10000 in my mutual funds now to make total SIP value of Rs. 50000. I am thinking about increasing Rs. 7000 in Axis Large Cap Fund (which will take its total Sip value to Rs. 11500) and Rs. 3000 in Axis Focussed Fund (which will take its total Sip value to Rs. 5000). Kindly suggest me following two points: 1) Possibility of creating a corpus of around 2.5 Crore in the next 10 years with these funds and what should be the right yearly increase in my SIP value. 2) Increasing of SIP of Rs. 7000 in Axis Large Cap Fund and Rs. 3000 in Axis Focussed Fund is right choice or should I increase in my other mutual funds. Your expert opinion will be appreciated.
Ans: Hi,

At the age of 42, you are headig in right direction. And I really appreciate your dedication in investing for past 7.5 years and creating an amazing corpus for yourself.
Currently you are investing 40k monthly in mutual funds and want to increase it to 50k per month which is a very good decision as step-up SIP can make a huge positive impact in your wealth creation.

- If you continue investing at this pace, with a monthly investment of 50k for next 10 years, you can easily achieve 2.5 crores with a CAGR of 13%. And if you step-up with 10% yearly investment, you can get more than 3 crores after 10 years.
- However the funds you mentioned are lil overlapping. It needs some minor re-allocation. You have 2 multi cap funds and 2 focused funds. You can keep one of both the funds.
- Increasing 10k SIP - Add 3500 to Axis Largecap (total 8000), 6500 in good Momentum fund.

As your portfolio size is quite big, it would be really better for you to work with a professional who reviews your portfolio periodically and changes it as per the requirement.
Hence a professional Certified Financial Planner - a CFP who can guide you with exact funds to invest in keeping in mind your age, requirements, financial goals and risk profile.

Let me know if you need more help.

Best Regards,
Reetika Sharma, Certified Financial Planner
https://www.instagram.com/cfpreetika/

...Read more

Anu

Anu Krishna  |1733 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Nov 12, 2025

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Financial Planner, MF, Insurance Expert - Answered on Nov 12, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 10, 2025Hindi
Money
I’m a 27-year-old working professional. Around 10 months ago, due to an urgent medical emergency, I had to take a payday loan. Since then, things have gone downhill — I ended up borrowing from multiple lenders to manage repayments, and now the total outstanding amount has grown to around ₹8 lakhs. My monthly salary is ₹55,000. I’ve already exhausted all my savings, have no assets to sell, and borrowing from friends or family isn’t an option. I even tried applying for a debt consolidation loan, but that didn’t work out either. The lenders are now calling me constantly — even reaching out to my references — and they aren’t willing to negotiate or offer any settlement plan. I’ve already cut down my living expenses to the bare minimum, but I still can’t keep up with the EMIs. I know I made a mistake and have learned my lesson the hard way, but right now, I feel completely stuck. Can someone please guide me on how to get out of this payday loan debt trap? What practical steps can I take to manage or resolve this situation? Any advice would be deeply appreciated.
Ans: You are in a tough situation — but please know that you can recover from this. Many people who fall into payday or app-loan debt traps eventually manage to come out, provided they take disciplined, structured steps. The key now is to stop the bleeding, regain control, and rebuild systematically.

Let’s go step-by-step, calmly and practically.

1. Stop borrowing further

This is the most important step.
Every new short-term loan or “quick fix” will only deepen the hole.
Even if you miss payments now, do not take another app loan or credit advance to repay existing ones. You must stop the debt spiral.

2. List all your debts clearly

Write down every lender, outstanding balance, interest rate, and due date.
Prioritize them in three categories:

High-interest / payday apps (these can have 24–100% annual rates or hidden fees)

Personal loans / credit cards (moderate interest, regulated lenders)

Friends / informal borrowings (zero or low interest, but moral pressure)

Knowing exactly what you owe helps you plan repayment logically, not emotionally.

3. Prioritize survival, not perfection

Right now, your focus should be on keeping your job, maintaining mental stability, and avoiding harassment.
You are earning ?55,000/month — protect that income. Keep aside your essential expenses (rent, food, commute) first.
Whatever remains after necessities will form your debt repayment pool.

If, say, ?15,000–?20,000/month is what you can afford to repay, that’s your realistic capacity — not what lenders demand.

4. Communicate only in writing

Many payday lenders and app-based collectors use illegal intimidation — calling references, shaming borrowers, or using fake legal threats.
These tactics violate RBI guidelines. You have rights.

Do not argue over phone calls.

Ask for all communication in writing or email.

If they harass your references, you can file a written complaint with the local Cyber Crime Cell or email RBI Ombudsman (if it’s a registered NBFC).

Save all screenshots and call logs.

If a lender isn’t RBI-registered, it is an illegal app lender — and you owe them only what was actually disbursed, not inflated fees or harassment penalties.

5. Seek formal credit counselling

You can get free or low-cost help through registered credit counselling agencies:

DebtDoctor, DEBT CLINIK, ICICI Foundation’s Disha Financial Counselling, Abhay Credit Counselling (by RBI).

You can also contact CreditMantri, Paytm CreditMate, or your local bank’s grievance desk.

A counsellor will assess your situation and may help you design a repayment plan or even negotiate with legitimate lenders for rescheduling.

6. Try structured negotiation

Once you know your true monthly repayment ability, contact each legitimate lender (banks/NBFCs) with a written request like this:

“I’m facing temporary financial hardship due to medical expenses and job-related constraints. I intend to repay fully, but request a repayment restructuring or a reduced EMI plan for the next 6–12 months. Kindly treat this as a genuine request and allow time to regularize payments.”

Banks and registered NBFCs sometimes allow restructuring or moratoriums for genuine hardship.
App-based payday lenders often don’t — but even then, if they are illegal, you can stop engaging and report them.

7. Repair credit over time

Your credit score will dip temporarily, but it’s recoverable.
Once you stabilize your cash flow, start with a secured credit product (like a credit card against FD) to rebuild your record.
It may take 1–2 years, but it’s achievable.

8. Emotional and mental health check

Constant calls and pressure can cause anxiety and burnout.
Take this seriously. Talk to someone you trust, or seek online counselling support (e.g., MindPeers, YourDOST, Manas helpline).
Staying mentally steady is essential to executing your recovery plan.

9. Concrete monthly action plan

Here’s how to proceed starting this month:

Month 1–2:

Stop all new borrowing.

Prepare full debt list.

Inform each lender of your financial hardship.

File complaints if harassed.

Open a new clean salary account (avoid auto-debits).

Month 3–6:

Start paying small, regular amounts to the most aggressive or legal lenders.

Keep proof of each payment.

Negotiate settlements only with written confirmation.

Month 7–12:

Continue repayments systematically.

Begin rebuilding an emergency fund of even ?1,000–?2,000/month.

10. Long-term perspective

You are 27. You have decades ahead to rebuild your financial life.
Yes, this phase is painful — but it will pass. Once you clear these debts and recover stability, build these habits:

Never borrow for consumption or short-term gaps.

Maintain 6 months’ emergency savings.

Use credit only within your repayment capacity.

Track your net worth monthly.

hope atleast now taken health insurance

Disclaimer / Guidance:
The above analysis is generic in nature and based on limited data shared. For accurate projections — including inflation, tax implications, pension structure, and education cost escalation — it is strongly advised to consult a qualified QPFP/CFP or Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD). They can help prepare a comprehensive retirement and goal-based cash flow plan tailored to your unique situation.
Financial planning is not only about returns; it’s about ensuring peace of mind and aligning your money with life goals. A professional planner can help you design a safe, efficient, and realistic roadmap toward your ideal retirement.

Best regards,
Naveenn Kummar, BE, MBA, QPFP
Chief Financial Planner | AMFI Registered MFD
https://members.networkfp.com/member/naveenkumarreddy-vadula-chennai

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DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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